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Groundbreaking set for Saturday

One of the most anticipated days in franchise history will take place on Saturday.

The much-anticipated ceremonial groundbreaking is slated from 10 a.m. to noon on the Orange Bowl grounds in the Little Havana section of Miami.

Open free to the public, fans are encouraged to arrive early to witness the festivities on the site of the future home of the Marlins. The first 1,000 fans will receive a coupon for a ballpark-style lunch and a commemorative groundbreaking pin.

The ceremonial portion of the event will begin at 11 a.m., and it will feature the unveiling of videos and renderings of the new ballpark. The hosts of the event will be broadcasters Dave Van Horne and Felo Ramirez.

MLB commissioner Bud Selig will be among the VIPs at the event, as will be officials from Miami-Dade County and the city of Miami.

A ceremonial first pitch will be thrown by Charlie Hough to Benito Santiago, the “battery” in the franchise’s inaugural game in 1993.

Groundbreaking will feature entertainment and refreshments for fans.

The new ballpark is scheduled to open in 2012, and the retractable-roof facility will seat 37,000.

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